CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Not getting lost in the shuffle is a fight local artists and musicians are faced with, but Charlotte SHOUT! has proven to be a stage for their talents to be seen.
The 17-day festival kicked off Friday, and features local musicians, artists, and businesses which make up the Queen City’s growing art scene.
Friday, thousands descended upon uptown, with a new focus on First Ward Park, which was introduced as a festival venue for the first time this year. It’s where Eric Ndelo with McFly Fresh Printing Company set up his site for his third year at the event.
“Charlotte SHOUT! is the opportunity for people to get more eyes on artwork,” he explained. “Without that we probably wouldn’t have been able to reach them through social media, through YouTube ads. The best advertisement is face-to-face.”
He expects to print and sale roughly 500 shirts during the city’s spring staple.
Other T-shirt artists like Marcus Burke said he views the success of the event in the inspiration he may come away with.
“This community, we educate, we teach, we help and we incorporate the community when we work,” Marcus said. “It’s definitely the experience, the words of encouragement, the stories you hear and how your work can inspire and help.”
The event is open and to all at no cost. Check out a list of spots you can see live music and artists work here.
